"Overlooked Attractions" at Disney's Value and Moderate Resorts

by Debra Martin Koma
All Ears® Senior Editor

Feature Article

This article appeared in the
August 26, 2003, Issue #205 of ALL EARS®
(ISSN: 1533-0753)

If you're a regular reader of ALL EARS® you've probably read our
periodic columns on observing the little things at Walt Disney
World. I'm sure many of you already do that, but perhaps some of
you are thinking, "What are they talking about? What 'little
things?' I'm in a hurry to get to (Splash Mountain, Mission:
SPACE, Rock n' Roller Coaster, fill in major attraction of your
choice)."

This is another in the ALL EARS® occasional series designed to
point out some of the little things you might have missed --
some of those "stop-and-smell-the-roses" details (often free!)
that help enhance the magic of a Disney trip. This week we're
talking about what we like to call the "Overlooked Attractions"
in Disney's Value and Moderate Resort Hotels. ("Overlooked
Attractions" at the Deluxe and Home Away from Home Resorts, and
Fort Wilderness, will be covered in future features!)

HIDDEN DELIGHTS

If you're like me (a theme park commando who MUST ride every
ride and see every show!), you may not often want to take the
time to meander around your resort and explore its architectural
details, its hidden nooks and crannies, the finer points of its
theming. But if somehow you should find yourself with some free
time between strategic strikes on the Magic Kingdom Mountain
Range and the Moons of Endor, there's no place better than a
Disney resort!

Oh sure, everyone knows about the great themed pools the Disney
resorts have, as well as the many "quiet" pools where you can
sit and sun yourself. It's just about impossible to overlook
them. But if you're searching for something different or
unusual, something a little off the beaten path, take a look at
some of our favorite "little things" you can find at these
resorts.

===============
ALL-STAR MOVIES/
SPORTS/MUSIC
===============

Just because these Value Resorts only offer the most basic of
amenities for the budget-conscious, it doesn't
mean there are no hidden extras lurking here and there
(although, I'll admit, there aren't as many as you'll
find at the Deluxe resorts).

It's darn near impossible to overlook a 35-foot-tall Buzz
Lightyear looming overheard, or a cup of Coke that would hold 20
million 12-ounce cans of the fizzy drink, but after seeing these
giant-sized icons around the All Star resorts once or twice, you
might take them for granted. Don't rush by -- they make for some
terrific photo opportunities. And as you're walking around, you
might want to contemplate some of the amazing trivia related to
these icons. For example, you'd need nearly 9.5 *million* tennis
balls to fill just one of the tennis ball cans you'll find at
Center Court Hotel in Disney's All-Star Sports!

See those musical notes sprinkled across the main lobby at the
All-Star Music resort? Well, unless you can read music, you
might not realize that they actually represent a real tune. Can
you guess which one? "When You Wish Upon A Star"!

Walk around the main halls at the other All-Stars, too, for some
really neat photographs. The shots of famous sports stars that
line the walls in the All-Star Sports halls are truly
impressive. Other celebs, including that Mouse about town,
Mickey, dot the hallways at the other All-Stars, fun to look at
for starstruck fans like me!

In general, the All-Star Resorts are places that are just plain
fun to walk around, as you try to spot all the subtle (and
not-so-subtle) details that have been planted to enhance
whatever the resort's theme is. I mean, how can you not
appreciate the courtyard in the Touchdown section of All Star
Sports, which is designed to look like a stadium, right down to
the goal posts? And while you're walking around, be sure to stop
and listen every now and then. There's different ambient music
playing to match the theme of the area -- jazz music in All Star
Music's Jazz section, for instance.

===============
CARIBBEAN BEACH
===============

The laid-back feeling of the islands is pervasive as you're
strolling around the grounds of the sprawling Caribbean Beach
Resort. And, believe me, this resort covers so much territory,
you WILL have to stroll around it to get to your room or the
food court or Guest Services. So why not enjoy it?

Of course you'll want to check out the main, pirate-inspired
pool with its cannons and waterfall, but if you're in a quieter
mood, and don't feel like a swim, don't overlook the sandy
beaches surrounding Barefoot Bay, the resort's 45-acre lake.
There are lounging chairs scattered here and there, along with
strategically placed hammocks, for the ultimate in lazing
around. (The stretch of beach located along the Aruba cluster of
buildings is probably the most private.)

Parents with small children shouldn't miss Parrot Cay Island,
located in the middle of the lake, with its fun-filled
playground complete with a jungle gym. When my son was 2 1/2, it
wasn't just the playground that excited him. He also was
captivated by the statuary scattered around the island -- we
have some precious photos of him "riding" the stone crocodiles!
They're obscured by the thick vegetation, though -- remember to
hunt for them!

Even those without kids should take a stroll over to Parrot Cay
Island. There are live parrots lurking amongst the exotic trees
and plants of this mini-paradise!

When you're done swimming, you might want to try one of the
different types of watercraft that are available for rent at Old
Port Royale -- it can make for a pleasant hour or more on the
water.

There's also a beautiful 1.4-mile promenade around Barefoot Bay
that is perfect for jogging or bicycling (bicycles are also
available for rent, adjacent to the boat dock).

===============
PORT ORLEANS
===============

Each of Port Orleans' two distinct sections, Riverside (formerly
known as the Dixie Landings Resort) and French
Quarter (formerly just plain old Port Orleans), has its own
flavor. Accordingly, it takes numerous theming details to create
their individual personalities.

As the larger section of the two, Riverside offers more to do
and see -- and Riverside itself is divided into two sections:
rustic Alligator Bayou and the charming Magnolia Bend, which
exudes the grace and charm of the "Gone with the Wind" era.

It's a given at a resort like this that you'll be spending time
poolside, but there's so much else to do at Port Orleans
Riverside.

I like to walk around the lovely grounds, soaking up the
atmosphere. (Yes, I'm trying to mend my park commando ways and
chill out more often!) If you begin in the Magnolia Bend area,
and you'll soon see the amazing attention to detail that makes
the theming at this resort so impressive. The first cluster of
buildings in Parterre Place, for example, are regal and very
posh -- mini-southern plantations from which Scarlet O'Hara
could walk any minute. As you follow the river, dubbed the
Sassagoula, around toward the Alligator Bayou section of the
resort, you'll notice that the buildings grow more run-down and
backwoodsy. This is all in keeping with the colorful backstory
Disney Imagineers created for Riverside: The further pioneers
traveled up the Sassagoula River (which they tell us is the
American Indian word for "Mississippi"), the scarcer building
supplies became, thus leading to poorer quality housing. This
"story" is also played out in the facade of Riverside's main
building -- the side facing Magnolia Bend is lovely, but as you
walk around the building toward the marina, it becomes more
rustic, especially by the time you view the Riverside Mill,
which, by the way, has a working water wheel!

While you're looking at the Riverside Mill, which houses the
resort's food court, why not take a detour inside and order a
praline at the bakery? What's a praline? It's only one of the
sweetest southern treats ever conceived -- made of melted brown
sugar, butter and pecans. Very lo-cal... NOT. Don't forget to
pick up one (at least one) during your stay.

As you walk along the Sassagoula River between Magnolia Bend and
Alligator Bayou, you'll see that not only the buildings are
themed -- even the landscaping is used to delineate the areas.
The stately flowering trees of Magnolia Bend gradually become
more scarce, until they are replaced by the scraggly pines and
Spanish moss of Alligator Bayou.

If you're a nature lover, don't miss the peaceful Butterfly
Garden located behind the Acadian House at Riverside's Magnolia
Bend section. In fact, you might want to take some extra time to
appreciate all the grounds on this beautifully themed resort,
since in 1995 Riverside and French Quarter won a Florida
Nurserymen and Grower's Association's Award of Excellence. Did
you know there were more than 100,000 flowering trees and bushes
between the two resorts? I've never counted them, but that's
what I'm told!

Besides the flora, there's an abundance of fauna located in and
around the Riverside's rustic grounds. You'll see ducks and
other aquatic birds, and you might even spy an otter! Of course,
there are the usual rabbits, squirrels, and even a chipmunk or
two... and there are rumors of the occasional gator. OK, so
maybe that's one overlooked attraction that should *stay*
overlooked!

Speaking of critters, did you know that you can go fishing on
Ol' Man Island over in Riverside? There's a fun
catch-and-release program operating from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
at the Fishin' Hole, which is stocked with catfish, bass, and
bluegill. (There's a fee for cane pole rental.) And if you're
after a bigger, better fishing experience, you can head over to
Downtown Disney and sign on for a two-hour fishing excursion.

Ol' Man Island is also home to a playground, which parents (and
kids) will never overlook -- gotta burn off that excess energy!
But the little things here you won't want to miss are the
special activities that Cast Members often host near the pool,
especially if you're visiting around a holiday. Be sure to ask
at Guest Services if anything special is going on during your
stay.

The Riverside Levee on Ol' Man Island will rent watercraft
(pedal boats, pontoon and canopy boats, kayaks, canoes) or
bicycles (surrey and regular) for those who tire of doing
nothing while sitting poolside. You can also play a smashing
game of croquet! Just ask at Riverside Levee and you'll be
dealing with sticky wickets before you know it.

Can you believe that Riverside has one of the largest video
arcades in Walt Disney World? If you're an aficionado of that
sort of thing, you'll want to stop by the Medicine Show Arcade
in the main building.

And while you're there, in the main lobby rotunda, look down.
You'll find a compass on the floor.

Over at the New Orleans-inspired French Quarter, there are a
number of theming details too clever to miss, as well. For
example, as you're standing at the registration desk, look for
the musical notes dancing above you -- they may look random, but
they actually stand for the first verse of "When the Saints Go
Marching In."

The grounds of the smaller, more intimate French Quarter are
worth rambling around, too. As you wander, make note of the
punny names, Rue D'Baga and Beaux Regards Square. They always
make me chuckle.

As the Riverside has its pralines, the French Quarter boasts its
own gourmet goodie -- the beignet. A deep-fried donut-type
treat, rolled in powder sugar. Be sure to get them (at the FQ's
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factor food court) when they're
warm! Heavenly!

Looking for a little romance? Port Orleans, both sides of it,
has it in abundance.

Drift along the Sassagoula River via boat from either Port
Orleans Riverside or French Quarter to Downtown Disney. Or take
an evening horse and carriage ride. The 30-minute carriage rides
start in front of Boatwright's Dining Hall at Riverside nightly
between 6 and 9:30 p.m. (Each carriage ride costs $30, including
tax -- the boat rides are Disney transportation, free.)

If you'd rather walk, the carriage path between the French
Quarter and Riverside makes for an ideal little romantic stroll
(about a half-mile, or 10 minutes, each way).

===============
CORONADO SPRINGS
===============

Once you see the The Dig Site pool complex of this beautiful
resort, you might forget that there's anything else to do or see
here, but you'd be missing an awful lot.

As with all of Disney's resorts, the Coronado Springs grounds
are worth investigating. This resort, in particular, is a flower
lover's paradise. There are colorful hibiscus, canna, and
innumerable multicolored blossoms scattered generously beside
walkways, between resort buildings, along the lake's shore. And
don't miss the short Nature Trail that winds behind the Dig Site
for a private, quiet walk amidst the foliage.

If a longer walk appeals to you, there's a one-mile
(approximately) path encircling the lake. It takes you past the
three separate sections of Coronado Springs -- the urban
Casitas, the remote, somewhat desert-like Ranchos, and the
beachfront Cabanas -- and gives you a real feel for the diverse
themes the architects of this resort attempted to create.

Don't miss the lovely courtyards in between the Casitas
buildings with their spouting fountains and lush foliage,
particularly at night when the dramatic lighting makes for a
very romantic setting.

Need a break from the hubbub of theme park hopping? Just take a
swing in one of the many hammocks surrounding Lago Dorado, the
15-acre lake in the center of this resort. Day or night, there's
nothing like being waterside with the warm sand beneath you and
palm fronds swaying overhead.

It's hard to overlook the resort's marina, situated as it is in
a beautiful gazebo-like structure on the shores of the lake. As
at the other moderate resorts, you can rent a variety of small
watercraft and bicycles here for a fun few hours' diversion. You
can also rent cane poles for a little catch-and-release fishing
in the Lago Dorado.

Don't miss the umbrella tables near La Marina, behind the
resort's main building, El Centro. They offer the perfect place
for a quiet drink or lunch, peacefully overlooking the lake,
with the resort's Mexican-inspired music gently playing in the
background.

With its Mayan pyramid towering overhead, it's hard to miss the
resort's main pool area, but what you might overlook here are
some of the other aspects of this mini-water park. There's a
123-foot long water slide here, and perched atop is a jaguar
who's been known to spit at unsuspecting swimmers. Walt Disney
World's largest hot tub is tucked away in a secluded corner
adjacent to the pool -- it will hold up to 22 people! Surrounded
by trees as it is, you might also walk right past the sand
volleyball court. And to the rear of the complex is the
children's playground, which features a creepy (to me, at least)
Mayan statue's head for the kids to crawl around in, as well as
swings, a jungle gym, a slide, and a big sand pit.

The accents scattered around El Centro, which houses
registration, Guest Services and the restaurants, may also be
easily overlooked. Look on the walls -- there are really
interesting Mexican and Native American wooden carvings in the
lobby. The tiled fountains in Francisco's Lounge and Pepper
Market sport fiesta-colored frogs and
other creatures. The plants, including tropical
birds-of-paradise, lining the hallways and adorning tables
delight the eyes with bursts of color.

And then there's the dome. You can NOT miss the beautiful domed
atrium that greets you when you walk into the main entrance of
El Centro. Look up. White doves fly in a blue sky with puffy
white clouds -- it's just a stunning piece of art.

All of these little things come together to create a very
authentic Southwestern/Mexican feel, making Coronado Springs one
of my favorite Disney resort hotels.

===============
AT ALL
DISNEY RESORTS
===============

To round out this overview of my favorite "overlooked
attractions" at the Disney Value and Moderate resorts, I thought
I ought to mention a few things that you can find at all Disney
resorts.

You probably know about Hidden Mickeys -- those subtly placed
tri-circle symbols designed by the Imagineers that can be found
in and around theme park attractions. Well, not surprisingly,
Hidden Mickeys have been incorporated in the resorts as well.
It's a fun pastime to try to scout these out -- check out
www.hiddenmickeys.org or Steve Barrett's book "Hidden Mickeys: A
Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets" for lists
of where they're hiding, but don't miss these:

-- in the "hieroglyphs" at Coronado Springs' Dig Site
-- in the mural at Caribbean Beach's Old Port Royale
-- in the carpet in All-Star Sports' gift shop
-- in "Andy's Room" at the foot of Buzz Lightyear in All-Star
Movies

Finally, one of the *most* fun things at the resorts, which I
didn't even know about on my first trip many moons ago, is not
so much something to look at, but something to experience. It's
not something I would have ever
thought I'd look forward to when on vacation -- a Wake-Up Call!
If you're staying at a Disney resort use your room phone to
request a free-of-charge wake-up call. When you answer the
phone, Mickey will welcome you to the day! And, even better, if
you want to wish someone in your group a Happy Birthday, Dial 0
and request the special birthday greeting!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

These "little things" are just to get you started. There are so
many other details that offer chances for funny photos or merry
memories -- all you have to do is take the time to look for
them!

Do you have a favorite "overlooked attraction" in one of the
resorts? Drop me a line at dcdeb@allears.net to share
your story!